A weapon that comes down as still as snowflakes fall upon the sod;
But executes a freeman’s will, As lightening does the will of God;
And from its force, nor doors nor locks can shield you; ‘tis the ballot box.

John Pierpont

One affordable way to help the Labour Party
is to donate some of your loose change.

Just use an old container and put in a few small coins every
day.

When you are ready to make the donation, contact us to arrange
collection.

The Labour Party retained all of the previously held council seats that were up for election in 2018

Russell Tennant, Chair of Pendle Labour Party sends his thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for all of our candidates and also to our members involved in the election campaign, for their hard work and dedication to the people of Pendle.
Visit the Elections page for more informatiom.
Tuesday 27 March 2018Pendle Labour party has announced its candidates for the local elections on 03 May 2018

These elections are a chance to send a powerful message to this weak and divided Conservative government.

After eight years of Conservative cuts in vital services, failed privatisations and falling living standards, it’s time for real change.

The Tories are slashing the local services on which you and your family depend, from policing to social care. They are starving councils of cash to pay for tax cuts for the richest.

Labour will rebuild our communities and transform our country for the many not the few. That change can start now.

Wednesday 14 February 2018Councillor to offer free service to assist in claims against Council for pothole damage to cars

Pendle Councillor, Yasser Iqbal who represent the Reedley Ward has called on residents to make a claim against Lancashire County Council for damage caused to cars by potholes. Councillor Yasser Iqbal who is also a Barrister has said that he has been inundated with calls from residents in the area he represents who have been left out of pocket due to the poor state of the roads. He has offered to help his constituents for free in taking Lancashire County Council to Court if they fail to deal with the claim. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Monday 05 February 2018Pendle Women Celebrate 100 Years of the Vote

Wearing rosettes and corsages in the colours of the suffrage movement, women from Pendle Labour Party have gathered at Unity Hall in Nelson to mark the 100th anniversary of women first being given the vote.

The location was chosen because of its historical significance in the Women’s Movement – starting its life as the Independent Labour Party's “Socialist Institute”, where local suffragist and social campaigner, Selina Cooper, laid a cornerstone at the building and gave talks and lectures. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Friday 26 January 2018Lancashire better off under Labour claim by senior Pendle Conservative!

Leader of Pendle Council and Lancashire County Councillor Mohammed Iqbal has welcomed the views of Deputy Leader of Pendle Conservatives and former County Councillor Paul White who made the comments:

“The Tories under Geoff Driver are screwing Pendle, we were better off under Labour”.

His comments were made prior to a meeting with Burnley and Pendle Citizens Advice Bureau and Pendle Cllrs Mohammed Iqbal, David Whipp and Paul White at Nelson town hall on Wednesday 24 January 2018.
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Wednesday 24 January 2018Consultation on proposed Multi Academy Trust (MAT)

Russell Tennant, Chairman of Pendle Labour Party has written a letter to the Nelson Leader Colne Times series raising substantial questions about the proposed Multi Academy Trust (MAT) which involves schools in Pendle. The letter is reproduced below:

I recently contributed to the consultation about the proposed formation of the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) which involves Blacko Primary, Laneshaw Bridge Primary, Lord Street Primary and Park High School.Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Tuesday 23 January 2018Local NHS Crisis

Members of Pendle Labour Party hosted an information stall in Colne on Saturday 20th January, highlighting the ongoing crisis in the National Health Service.

Despite Jeremy Hunt persistently claiming that the NHS was better prepared than ever before to deal with this year’s winter flu crisis, many local people are currently experiencing record waiting times at A&E and many others are having essential operations cancelled.
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Wednesday 10 January 2018Potholes in Pendle Roads

The Leader of Pendle Council Cllr Mohammed Iqbal has today written to the leader of Lancashire County Council asking for the urgent release of funds to address the pothole crisis across Pendle

Cllr Iqbal said“

I and other Councillors have been inundated with genuine complaints from residents at the pothole crisis across Pendle. The response from the County Council has been very slow despite an election pledge from the conservatives in pendle saying they would be allocating extra money to Pendle , the reality is that the Conservatives are neglecting Pendle. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 22 December 2017

The Leader of Pendle Council Cllr Mohammed Iqbal has written to the Cabinet Member for Highways at Lancashire County Council, Keith Iddon asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the lack of gully cleaning on the M65 which has led to very dangerous driving conditions in recent days.
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Wednesday 22 November 2017Labour Pledges to Reopen Rail Lines

Ahead of the Autumn Budget Shadow
Transport Secretary, Andy McDonald MP, is calling on the Government to match the Labour Party’s commitment to boost investment in and expand the rail network by filling in the missing rail links.

Re-opening rail lines have local support, are positive for business and can boost areas of economic deprivation. They can also alleviate congestion, reduce social isolation and improve productivity. That is why Labour is announcing the establishment of a working group to develop proposals for reopening rail lines across the United Kingdom. The group will work with local politicians, campaign and passenger groups, businesses, and devolved authorities to identify and set out plans for investing to open lines where there is a social and economic case to do so.
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Friday 29 September 2017A letter from Councillor Mohammed Iqbal Leader of Pendle Council to Andrew Stephenson MP, concerning “ Pendle Council’s plans to build on Earby’s green fields”

Dear Andrew,

I understand from correspondence that I have received that you are encouraging residents in Earby to “help me fight Pendle Council’s plans to build on Earby’s green fields” and oppose the proposed disposal of Council-owned land in their area. Having had sight of the letter you have issued, I am disappointed that you have neither set out the reasons why Pendle Council is considering the disposal of these sites nor explained the considerable pressure being placed by the Government of which you are a member on local authorities such as Pendle both to deliver new housing and to deal with the funding reductions imposed by you. Download a copy of the letter here (PDF 397KB) Friday 22 September 2017Pendle Public Meeting on Public Sector Pay - Pay Up Now.

Public sector workers have lost thousands since 2010 due to the pay freeze and 1% cap. At long last the cap is beginning to crack, but we need to make sure that the government funds a substantial pay rise for all public sector workers.

As part of the pay campaign North West TUC and Unison have arranged a public meeting in Pendle on Monday 25th September 2017. The meeting is scheduled to take place from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, at the Unity Wellbeing Centre, Vernon Street, Nelson BB9 9DX.
Wednesday 06 September 2017Peaceful protest against genocide in Burma

Leader of Pendle Council Mohammed Iqbal has with support of fellow councillors organised a peaceful protest against the killing of thousands of innocent Rohingya Muslims in Burma

Councillor Iqbal said:

"It is a crime against humanity what the world is witnessing in Burma and I have been asked by many Pendle people to organise a peaceful protest on Friday 8 September outside Nelson library at 2.30pm.

"I have also written to the Member of Parliament asking that he asks the Prime Minister to intervene and stop any further killings. I am appalled at our government keeping quiet on such atrocities." Saturday 19 August 2017Jeremy Corbyn in Pendle

We intend to put more photographs on our Facebook page.
Tuesday 15 August 2017Tory Councillor found guilty by panel!

Conservative former Mayor and Earby Councillor Rosemary Carroll was found guilty at a Special Meeting of Pendle Council Hearings Panel on Monday 14 August 2017. The panel considered a report from the Council's Monitoring Officer following 2 complaints on 29th June 2017 by Councillor Wayne Blackburn and Councillor Mohammed Iqbal relating to the sharing on social media of a highly offensive and racist joke by Cllr Carroll. The report from the Monitoring Officer concluded "I consider the post to be derogatory and insulting to benefit claimants, and also racist", he also added“My finding is that there is sufficient evidence of a failure to comply with the Code of Conduct”.Saturday 12 August 2017Pendle Labour Party are pleased to announce the details of Jeremy Corbyn's much anticipated visit to Pendle on Thursday 17th August.

Mr Corbyn will be addressing a public rally at 4.30pm from The Bandstand in Victoria Park, Nelson. The visit forms part of his whistle-stop tour of marginal seats across the country this summer. Pendle is now one of the key seats that Labour must win to form the next government.

Pendle Labour Chair, Russell Tennant said:

“We are delighted to welcome Jeremy to Pendle. He is somebody who has inspired so many people to make their voices heard and to stand up for the values that will lead to a better society" .

People are asked to make their way to the park on foot where possible, to avoid traffic congestion and parking issues
Friday 21 July 2017Shadow Minister visits threatened Colne Jobcentre

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Debbie Abrahams MP, visited Colne yesterday (20th July 2017) to meet with disabled residents and activists from across Pendle and to discuss issues surrounding Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Many raised concerns about the imminent closure of Colne jobcentre and the effect that this would have on people’s lives. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Sunday 09 July 2017Pendle Labour Party have been made aware of threats made against Andrew Stephenson MP and his staff on Tuesday, 4th July.

Whilst we and Mr Stephenson differ in our political views, Pendle Labour opposes any form of violence and condemns these threats in the strongest terms.

Political discourse should be about robust debate and putting your position across strongly, not threats and intimidation. Actions such as these are nothing more than an attack on our democracy which we should all vigorously defend.

Mark Porter
Chair of Pendle Labour Party
Wednesday 28 June 2017 Pendle Conservative MP votes against ending cuts to our police and fire service and lifting the public sector pay cap.

"During the General Election campaign, Andrew Stephenson attempted to portray himself as "Pendle's Champion". Today, he voted not to give public sector workers a pay rise despite years of nurses and firefighters dealing with a 1% rise in their wages, amounting to a real terms cut in their income. I wonder how he will look those public sector workers in Pendle in the eye tomorrow and still claim to be their champion?"

Friday 09 June 2017Statement from Mark Porter, President of Pendle CLP

First of all on behalf of the CLP can I say a big thank you to all members and supporters who helped out during the General Election. Whilst we did not manage to get Wayne elected this time the result was fantastic and increasing our vote by 5,000 people and reducing the Tory majority from 5,500 to a little over 1,250 none of which would have been possible with all your help.

Wednesday 30 May 2017Local Tory needs to apologise for calling local voter a Pa**!

Leader of Pendle Council and newly re-elected Lancashire County Councillor Mohammed Iqbal has demanded that the defeated Conservative candidate and barrister Afzal Anwar apologise for referring to a local resident as a "typical paki". Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>

Leader of Pendle Council Cllr Mohammed Iqbal has expressed his extreme disappointment in the Conservative candidate, Yassar Rauf who is standing in Nelson East division for LCC elections making a comment that "parts of Syria should be bombed " in a public video from Sunday 9 April 2017.

Cllr Iqbal said:

"At a time when we all feel the pain of the Syrian people, for Mr Rauf to make such a comment is very ill thought and if he is representing his party line then he should be ashamed of himself.

"
As a council we have Syrian families living in Pendle. It will worry them if the Conservative party condones bombing in Syria killing innocent people."

Thursday 06 April 2017Pendle Council pays tribute to Colin Waite who sadly died on Thursday 30 March aged 62.

Colin, a self-employed fishmonger who was known as the 'smiling councillor', was first elected onto Pendle Council on 2 May 1991.

He is the only councillor who was Mayor of Pendle twice - once in 1998/99 and again in 2001/02. Colin served the Clover Hill ward as a borough councillor for 15 years until his retirement on 8 May 2006.

He was also a Lancashire County Councillor for the Nelson area. More>>

Pendle Labour Party also extends our sympathies to Colin’s family – he will be much missed by all.

Saturday 25 March 2017Fighting to Protect Local Services

Pendle Labour Party has announced its candidates for May’s County Council elections.

The prospective County Councillors have a wide range of experience ranging from Housing, Health and Wellbeing, Youth and Community, Disability Issues, Education, The Arts and The Environment.

Chair of Pendle Labour Mark Porter says: “We have a really strong team this year. All are dedicated to protecting vital public services in Pendle against cuts imposed by the Conservative Government. Labour is the only Party that is standing up for ordinary people in the face of unprecedented, Conservative attacks on their standard of living and quality of life.”

“It is evident that the Pendle Conservative Party are getting desperate when they resort to accusing me of colluding with or 'doing a deal' with the British National Party.

"
For the record I can confirm that no deal of any kind has been done with the BNP.

“Unfortunately, this smear campaign and many other failed attempts to tarnish the Labour Party's and my reputation is all part of poorly orchestrated attempt to regain the leadership of the council and an attempt to influence the local electorate with their false stories. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>

Monday 27 February 2017
Pendle Council Budget Update

Leader of the Council, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal reluctantly proposed a Council Tax increase of £5 per year on a Band D property and said:

“It is a fact that the Conservative government has since 2010 made savage cuts to the money Pendle received and by 2020, we will have suffered a 68% cut or over £8 million in real cash terms.

“It is simply unsustainable for the council to continue provide the level of service expected by local residents in the face of such cuts by the Conservative government. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Tuesday 14 February 2017Burnley MP slams government pharmacy cuts - Pendle Today

Burnley MP Julie Cooper has slammed the Government over its “ill-conceived and simplistic cuts” to community pharmacies.

The Labour MP, who ran a pharmacy with her husband before entering Parliament, was speaking in the wake of impending government funding cuts. Read more here. Saturday 21 January 2017Fantastic response to our Care for the NHS campaign in Barnoldswick this morning.

Huge thanks to all the members who came to help and thank you to the residents of Barnoldswick who took the time, on a freezing day, to talk to us and sign the petition. Clearly, Barnoldswick cares for the NHS.
More about The NHS campaign>> Wednesday 21 December 2016

Friday 18 November 2016 Council praised for balancing the books - Pendle Today

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Labour Leader of Pendle Council, said:

“These are tough times as we balance the budget each year with fewer resources, but I’m happy the auditors acknowledge that we do a good job.

“We produced the audited accounts two months earlier than last year and were among the earliest councils in Lancashire to do so.”

Reedley ward labour Councillor Yasser Iqbal has tabled a motion at the Pendle full council meeting on 20 October regarding the decision by the government to allow fracking in Lancashire.

Cllr Iqbal said "I am very concerned that the conservative government is supporting fracking in Lancashire and they granted a licence last year for Burnley and Pendle. I know that people living in the top part of Brierfield and Reedley are very worried the effect of possible fracking will have on the area. I'm calling on our member of parliament to stand up for the people of Reedley and join my campaign to stop any fracking in Reedley"
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Wednesday 05 October 2016In memory of John David.

Pendle Labour Party wishes to offer our condolences to the family and friends of John David. John was a much respected figure in the Pendle community and will be missed by all.

There is further information on the
Pendle Today web site. Monday 03 October 2016Labour Party members from across Pendle took part in The Party’s national day of campaigning for “Education Not Segregation” last weekend.

Campaigners took to Colne Town Centre to publicise Labour’s call for action on childcare to ensure early learning for all children; an education maintenance allowance for 16-18 year olds in full-time education to help students from low and middle incomes; grants for university students to help with living costs and a halt to new grammar schools that divide our children at age 11.
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Tuesday 13 September 2016 Proposed Parliamentary Boundary Changes

Commenting on the proposed changes, Mark Porter President of Pendle CLP said:

Pendle Labour Party has received notification of the electoral commission's proposal regarding the parliamentary boundary changes; we are currently reviewing what this all means for the Labour Party in Pendle and the impact on the wider Pendle electorate.

Whilst we make no comment on the details of the said proposal at this time, but reducing the number of MP's after the EU referendum result whilst increasing the number of unelected peers to the House of Lords, in addition to the difficult negotiations concerning Brexit that lie ahead, does raise some concerns that require serious consideration, they need to be factored into the discussions.
Wednesday 24 August 2016Cllr Iqbal to Host Civic Reception for Olympic Champion Steve Burke.

Pendle Council welcomes home triple Olympic cycling champion and one of the borough’s greatest sporting ambassadors.

Steven Burke represented Britain in the Men’s Team Pursuit, scooping the gold medal and setting the new team pursuit world record, alongside Ed Clancy, Bradley Wiggins and Owain Doull, in Rio.

And the Council is planning to mark the latest Olympic achievements of the 28 year old former Park High School pupil, known locally as the Colne Cyclone, in October. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Tuesday 02 August 2016Members of The Labour Party in Pendle have voted overwhelmingly to oppose any proposals for fracking in the area.

The vote took place at the Constituency Labour Party’s Annual General meeting where it was noted that recent opinion polls show that only 19% of the population supports fracking, while 81% support increased use of renewable energy.

Pendle Labour Party is becoming increasingly concerned about the continued undemocratic attacks on Jeremy Corbyn the leader of the Labour Party. This statement is not seeking to provide any commentary on the merits of who is or indeed who should be leading our party, however, we are deeply upset at the manner in which the current turmoil has arisen when strong opposition is what the country needs most at these uncertain times.
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 17 June 2016

Thursday 16 June 2016Pendle Labour Party are deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of Jo Cox

We would like to echo the sentiments of Jeremy Corbyn who said:

"But for now all our thoughts are with Jo's husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for."
Monday 13 June 2016Local voters are saying why they are voting IN

This will see the continuation of the Labour / Liberal Democrat Executive of the Council which has been in place for the past year.

Councillor Iqbal said:

“I am delighted that the councillors have once again put their faith in me and I look forward to building on our last 12 months achievements where Labour and the Liberal Democrats have worked together for the benefit of the residents of the Borough. Many of our initiatives will soon come to fruition and the opportunity to continue and build on this work is vital.” Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Saturday 07 May 2016Well done Champs!

3-0, what a way to win the Championship. Great for the team, great for the fans. Friday 06 May 2016Pendle Borough Council Elections

Information about the 2016 election results can be found on the Elections page and the Pendle Borough Council web site. Tuesday 03 May 2016Pendle Labour Party congratulates Burnley FC on their return to the Premiership

What a day yesterday - a terrific speech
by Jeremy Corbyn at Towneley Park, followed by a good result for the 'Clarets' at Turf Moor.

Burnley are back in the Premiership, where they deserve to be and we are all holding our breath untill next saturday. Monday 02 May 2016Jeremy Corbyn delights the people at Burnley May Day celebrations

Applause and cheering from trade unionists and Labour supporters accompanied Jeremy Corbyn's address at the East Lancs Trades Council's May Day celebrations in Towneley Park, this afternoon.

Speaking to an audience of several thousand supporters from Lancashire and Yorkshire, he laid out his vision of how life would be better for working people under a future Labour Government.
Sunday 10 April 2016Pendle Labour Party names their candidates for the Pendle Borough Council elections.

We will be contesting all the seats listed for elections in Pendle on the 5th of May.

We have a diverse group of candidates who between them have a wealth of experience within the Pendle community including experience in local government, retail, health, education and charity sectors. Further information is available on the "Election Page" Friday 01 April 2016Presentation to recognise Barnoldswick’s St Joseph’s RC Primary School’s dementia role

County Councillor and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing Azhar Ali and Pendle Councillor David Whalley who has Executive responsibilities for Health and Wellbeing recently made a presentation to mark the work of Barnoldswick’s dementia friendly school.
Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>> Friday 01 April 2016Pendle Labour Councillor Sheila Wicks and former County Councillor Tim Ormrod have taken the Fairtrade message to Blacko Primary School

Councillor Wicks is the Deputy Chairman of the Pendle Fairtrade Group.

Mrs Wicks and Mr Ormrod shared their wealth of knowledge with the children.

Tuesday 22 March 2016Pendle Labour Party shares Jeremy Corbyn's condolences to the people of Belgium

We stand by the statement of the Leader of the Labour Party and extend out sympathies to the Belgian people. Thursday 18 February 2016

Tuesday 16 February 2016Public Statement from Pendle Labour Party in response to Lancashire County Council Budget 11th February 2016

Labour rescues County Council from Tory plans to bankrupt the Council.

Lancashire County Councillors, last Thursday, passed a legal budget for 2016/2017 despite a number of attempts by the Conservative group of Councillors to “kick the can down the road” and their refusal to even mention that the Tory government has cut the money it gives to Lancashire by almost 80%.

Since 2010, the Conservative Government has cut the money it gives to Lancashire County Council by £685 million up to 2020. Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Tuesday 09 February 2016
Pendle Conservative councillors failed to appear at a meeting organised to discuss Lancashire County Council’s cuts to services in Pendle.

Proposed cuts include possible library closures, children’s centres, youth centres, local bus services, highways management, and Countryside Services which include Wycoller Country Park, Whitehough Camp School, and reducing the number of buildings the county council owns or uses.Follow
this link to the Pendle News Page to read more>>Friday 08 January 2016Labour Councillors support allotment initiative

They were purchased by the allotment holders themselves some years ago. There is an ongoing programme to maintain and improve them. The Southfield councillors have donated £300 to the society using their ward initiative money.

The photo shows Councillor Sheila Wicks along with Councillor David Whalley presenting the cheque for £300 to members of the society.

Click here for the latest national Labour Party news Thursday 24 May 2018Mike Kane comments on the National Audit Office report on Ofsted’s inspection of schools

“Even Ofsted has now fallen victim to the funding and staff shortages hitting the education system thanks to Tory cuts. This is just the latest sign that the cupboard is bare, and the Government should match Labour’s pledge of new investment in schools.
More>> Wednesday 23 May 2018Our water system is at breaking point – Rebecca Long Bailey

“Today’s report shows that our water system, after years of under-investment in vital infrastructure, is at breaking point.

“Climate change, a growing population and privatisation are piling pressure on our leaky Victorian water system, which is being paid for by hard up customers. Meanwhile private water companies fail to invest and instead suck money out of the system.
More>> Tuesday 22 May 2018Chancellor refuses Labour demands to end tax dodger donations to political parties

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, speaking after Treasury Questions, where he called on the government to support Labour’s calls to bring forward legislation requiring any political party to return money found to have been donated by from money launderers and tax evaders, said:

“Today the Government further confirmed that it doesn’t take clamping down on tax avoidance seriously.
More>> Monday 21 May 2018Government’s approach to contingency planning for lorries on M20 to Dover has been incompetent and disastrous – Andy McDonald

“The Government’s approach to contingency planning for lorries on the economically vital M20 link to the port of Dover has been incompetent and disastrous. It had to scrap an important £250 million lorry park near the M20 last year because it got the plans wrong and has wasted millions on renting space for lorries at Manston Airport which has never been used.
More>> Sunday 20 May 2018The data protection bill was the opportunity to get tough on the tech giants and the Government has squandered that – Watson

“It’s embarrassing that the social media companies don’t even take Matt Hancock seriously enough to show up to meet him.

“The data protection bill was the opportunity to get tough on the tech giants and the Government has squandered that.

“They voted down Labour’s proposal for a digital bill of rights that would have given adults and children stronger statutory protections online.”
Saturday 19 May 2018There’ll be no more Carillion scandals on Labour’s watch – John McDonnell MP

Labour launches review to “crackdown” on poor practise in auditing and accountancy industry

McDonnell:
“There’ll be no more Carillion scandals on Labour’s watch”

The Shadow Chancellor will announce in a speech, at Labour’s “State of the Economy” Conference in central London today, the commissioning of an independent review of the entire corporate auditing and accounting regime in the UK.

The review will be led by Professor Prem Sikka, who is the Professor of Accounting and Finance at the University of Sheffield.
More>> Thursday 17 May 2018Tom Watson comments on FOBTs announcement

“This announcement signals the end of the reign of destruction and misery that FOBTs have brought on the lives of gambling addicts and their families and communities for too many years. More>> Wednesday 16 May 2018Sue Hayman responds to Environment Audit Committee report into the collapse of Government investment in clean energy

Sue Hayman MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to a new report by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee into the collapse of Government investment in clean energy, said:

“This damning report confirms what we have known for some time; this Government is all talk and no action when it comes to the environment. One of Theresa May’s very first acts as Prime Minister was to abolish the department responsible for tackling climate change so it’s no wonder carbon targets are under threat.
More>> Tuesday 15 May 2018Labour to demand release of Cabinet customs papers to break Brexit deadlock – Keir Starmer

Labour will tomorrow (Wednesday) force a binding vote in the House of Commons requiring the Government to publish Cabinet papers on the two customs options being considered by ministers to help break the deadlock in the Brexit negotiations.

A motion to be debated by MPs will call on the Government to release to Parliament all papers prepared for the Brexit sub-committee on the proposed customs partnership and maximum facilitation model, including any economic analysis. Unlike typical opposition day debates, the motion will be binding on the Government.
More>> Monday 14 May 2018Emily Thornberry responds to the killing of Palestinians in Gaza today

“We condemn unreservedly the Israeli government for their brutal, lethal and utterly unjustified actions on the Gaza border, and our thoughts are with all those Palestinians in Gaza whose loved ones have been killed or injured as a result.

“These actions are made all the worse because they come not as the result of a disproportionate over-reaction to one day’s protests, but as the culmination of six weeks of an apparently systemic and deliberate policy of killing and maiming unarmed protestors and bystanders who pose no threat to the forces at the Gaza border, many of them shot in the back, many of them shot hundreds of metres from the border, and many of them children.
More>> Saturday 12 May 2018Justin Madders responds to Nursing Standard survey

Justin Madders MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Minister, responding to the news that more than half the nursing workforce is regularly going through shifts without key basic human needs being met, said:

“These are shocking and appalling findings.

“For nurses to feel unable to even drink water on shift is a damning indictment of Tory mismanagement of our health service, which has seen staff leaving in their droves and record vacancies of 100,000.

“In the 70th year of the NHS failing to meet the basic human needs of our hardworking staff is completely unacceptable.

“Only Labour offers the long term investment needed to sort out this escalating crisis.”
Friday 11 May 2018Angela Rayner comments on the Government’s response to the ‘Schools that Work for Everyone’ consultation

Angela Rayner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, commenting on the Government’s response to the ‘Schools that Work for Everyone’ consultation, said:

“Just weeks after abandoning their own ‘guarantee’ to protect every school from cash cuts, the Tories have excluded the vast majority of schools from any extra funding for new places. Instead, there is just a handout for the handful of remaining grammars.

“Once again, the Government is pursuing its own vanity projects rather than following the evidence on what is best for pupils. They promised ‘schools that work for everyone’ but this policy just doesn’t live up to the label.
More>>. Thursday 10 May 2018Badge of shame for Ministers as cancelled operations at their highest level ever – Jonathan Ashworth

“The Tories’ shameless capitulation to press barons leaves the victims of phone hacking ever further from reaching the truth. More>>

Tuesday 08 May 2018University of Greenwich report details the scandalous waste of money which is PFI and PF2 – McDonnell

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on a report out today by the Public Services International Research Unit, at the University of Greenwich, entitled: Nationalising Special Purpose Vehicles to end PFI: A discussion of the costs and benefits, said:

“This is an important piece of research, detailing the scandalous waste of money which is PFI and PF2.More>> Saturday 05 May 2018Schools facing leadership crisis as over three in ten new leaders leave within five years – Angela Rayner

Government data revealed that more than three in ten school leaders who took up their posts between 2011 and 2015 had not been retained;

In secondary schools over one in three school leaders have left;

Comes as younger teachers are forced to step up and take leadership roles, while recruitment targets are missed and teacher retention falls. More>>

Friday 04 May 2018Labour achieved a solid set of results in the local elections – Jeremy Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, commenting on local election results from Plymouth, said:

“Labour achieved a solid set of results in the local elections. We have consolidated and built on the advances we made at last year’s General Election, when we won the largest increase in Labour’s share of the vote since 1945.
More>>

Thursday 03 May 2018Voters denied their right to vote is proof voter ID has no place in our democracy – Cat Smith

“The Government was warned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and over 40 leading charities and academics the voter ID will have a disproportionate impact on older people, young people, BME communities, trans people, and disabled people.
More>> Wednesday 02 May 2018Paul Blomfield responds to customs union ‘ultimatum’

“This is yet further evidence that Theresa May is being held hostage by the extreme Brexiteers in her own party. More>> Tuesday 01 May 2018It makes no sense that the Government is turning away trained doctors who want to come and work in the UK – Ashworth

“It makes no sense whatsoever that the Government is turning away trained doctors who want to come and work here in the UK. Theresa May’s hostile environment policy is now directly damaging NHS patient care.
More>> Monday 30 April 2018If providers do not get the funding they need they will have no choice but to close their doors or pass on costs to working families – Rayner

Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Education, commenting on an NAHT report into early years funding provision, said:

“The fact that not even one in five childcare providers believe the Government is giving them sufficient funding to cover their costs is a damning indictment of this Government’s failure to invest in our children.

“If providers do not get the funding they need from Government they will simply have no choice but to either close their doors or pass on costs to working families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
More>> Sunday 29 April 2018Rebecca Long Bailey comments on the proposed merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda

Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, commenting on the proposed merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda, said:

“This merger risks squeezing what little competition there is in the groceries market even further and moves alarmingly close to the creation of a supermarket monopoly. More>>

“Amber Rudd is hanging by a thread to shield the Prime Minister from her responsibilities as the initial architect of this cruel and callous approach to migration, which resulted in the Windrush scandal.

"She failed to read crucial documents which meant she wasn’t aware of the removal targets that have led to people’s lives being ruined. Another apology is not enough, she should take responsibility for chaos in the Home Office and resign.”
Friday 27 April 2018Civil Service figures show institutional racism at heart of Government – Dawn Butler

Dawn Butler MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, commenting on the revelation that no people of Black Caribbean origin were accepted onto the Civil Service Fast Stream in 2016 despite record number of applicants, said:

“It is profoundly shocking that not a single one of the 339 Black Caribbean people who applied to the Civil Service Fast Stream in 2016 was accepted and that the success rate for this group has fallen way behind their White counterparts in every year since 2010.
More>> Thursday 26 April 2018Amber Rudd lets slip that discussions at Cabinet about negotiating a customs union have not concluded – Starmer

“Amber Rudd appears to have let slip that discussions around the Cabinet table about negotiating a customs union with the EU have not in fact concluded.

“If that is so, then the Prime Minister should rethink her approach and listen to the growing chorus of voices in Parliament and in business that believe she has got it wrong on a customs union.” Tuesday 24 April 2018Peter Dowd responds to latest ONS figures

Peter Dowd MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, commenting on the latest public sector finance figures published today by the ONS, said:

“These figures today reaffirm why we need an urgent change, of course, this year, halting the growing emergency in our public services and ending the failed austerity cuts.

“Eight years of Tory austerity has failed working people and even failed by the government’s original target of eliminating the deficit by 2015.

“The next Labour government will set out a serious plan for the public finances with strategic investment underpinned by our Fiscal Credibility Rule, to help build a high-wage, high-skill economy for the many, not the few.” Wednesday 18 April 2018 University Students will see eye watering rise in interest rates on their student debt – Angela Rayner

“The latest rise in RPI means that hundreds of thousands of students will be seeing the unjustifiably high interest rates on their student debt rise once again, to an eye-watering 6.3 per cent.
More>>Friday 13 April 2018The government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump” – Jeremy Corbyn

“The government appears to be waiting for instructions from President Donald Trump on how to proceed. But the US administration is giving alarmingly contradictory signals.

“Even US defence secretary James Mattis has said we “don’t have evidence” and warned further military action could “escalate out of control.
More>> Thursday 12 April 2018Shocking new low for A&E performance under this Tory Government – Ashworth

“Today’s statistics reveal a shocking new low for A&E Departments under this Tory Government, following years of sustained underfunding.

“With more patients turning to private sector provision through ‘self-pay’ arrangements, the old fears of a middle class flight of people who can no longer tolerate waits for treatments from the NHS is returning, leaving a two tier service for the rest of us.
More>> Wednesday 11 April 2018Labour’s National Care Service will encourage ethical commissioning and cap social care costs

Barbara Keeley MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Minister for Social Care, will outline some of the principles of Labour’s National Care Service in a speech to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services today.

This will include the implementation of a maximum cap or limit on care costs at a lower level than currently set in the Care Act regulations and the raising of the asset threshold to a higher level than under the current system.
More>> Tuesday 10 April 2018We must cherish and learn from the Good Friday Agreement – Jeremy
Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, commenting on the twentieth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, said:

“The Good Friday Agreement was a defining moment in Irish history which allowed peace to prevail. It was a great achievement and I pay tribute to the work done by Tony Blair, Mo Mowlam and Paul Murphy, as well as those on all sides in Ireland, north and south, in achieving the crucial breakthrough of the peace process.
More>> Monday 09 April 2018Jeremy Corbyn speech at Labour’s London local elections launch

We meet here today in the shadow of one of the most violent periods we have experienced in recent times not just here in London but across our country.

Young people with their lives ahead of them are being ripped from our communities. Too many families are facing the loss of a child they have nurtured in their early years never to see the potential of that love and support realised.

As political leaders we must act. We have to tackle full-on the reasons so many of our young people are having their lives extinguished.
More>> Sunday 08 April 2018Diane Abbott responds to the announcement of the Government’s Offensive Weapons Bill

“While it is welcome to see the Tories acknowledging the epidemic of violence that has risen on their watch, by cutting 21,000 officers since 2010 they have completely undermined the ability of the police to enforce any new powers.
More>> Friday 06 April 2018Chaotic mortgage support changes put low income households at risk of debt – Margaret Greenwood MP

Help through the social security system for homeowners on low incomes to pay mortgage interest will change to a government loan.

This loan will have to be repaid and the process will be managed by private company, Serco. Labour has sounded the alarm over the change, warning it risks causing real hardship for homeowners on low incomes.
More>> Wednesday 04 April 2018It seems Boris Johnson misled the public – Abbott

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, challenging Boris Johnson to explain his previous comments on the source of the nerve agent Novichok in the Salisbury attack, said:

“It seems Boris Johnson misled the public when he claimed that Porton Down officials confirmed to him that Russia was the source of the nerve agent used in the Salisbury attack. More>> Tuesday 03 April 2018Spending on Children and Young Peoples Services nearly £1billion less than in 2012

New analysis by the Labour Party has revealed that Local Authority spending on Children and Young Peoples Services is nearly one billion less, in real terms, than in 2012.

It comes on the same day that the leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, and Shadow Education Secretary, Angela Rayner MP, are due to make a visit to Swindon where all the Sure Start Centre’s have been closed down by the Tory council and spending on Children’s and Young People’s Services in the South West has fallen by £51million since 2012.
More>> Saturday 31 March 2018The violence and death that we have seen on the Gaza border in recent days is utterly deplorable – Emily Thornberry

“The violence and death that we have seen on the Gaza border in recent days is utterly deplorable. We urge the Israeli authorities to show restraint, respect the rights of anyone engaged in peaceful protest, and avoid further loss of life.
More>> Thursday 29 March 2018Households are now net borrowers first time in 30 years – John McDonnell

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on the Quarterly Sector Accounts figures published today by the ONS, said:

“These are deeply worrying figures. The fact that for the first time in 30 years households are now net borrowers, taking on more debt and seeing their incomes squeezed by inflation, while the savings ratio is at its lowest level since records began, should be setting off alarm bells in the Treasury.
More>> Wednesday 28 March 2018Local people forced to pick up the slack as council tax bills soar – Gwynne

Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour’s Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, commenting on the Government’s announcement that the average band D council tax in England for 2018-19 will increase by 5.1 per cent, said:

“This shows that under the Tories, you pay more for less.

“Over the last eight years, council budgets have been reduced by 50 per cent and services cut, with local people forced to pick up the slack as council tax bills soar.

“After almost eight years of Tory austerity, it’s time for real change. We need to elect as many Labour councillors as possible on 3 May to stand up to the Conservatives’ cuts.”
Tuesday 27 March 2018Labour to place economic diversity at heart of industrial strategy – Rebecca Long-Bailey

Today at the Diversity Business Summit Labour will set out a “Diversity Charter Challenge” to improve the representation of women and minorities in key sectors of the UK economy.

The party will challenge each sector to come together to write its own diversity charter following the model set out by Jayne Anne Gadhia, CEO of Virgin Money in her Women in Finance Review.

Under Labour’s proposal, every sector with a major presence in the UK economy will be mandated to develop and implement a Diversity Charter.
More>> Monday 26 March 2018Where a child is born should not determine their life chances – Angela Rayner MP

Angela Rayner MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, commenting on a report by the Children’s Commissioner for England which reveals children in the north of England are being left behind their southern counterparts, said:

“Where a child is born should not determine their life chances

"By slashing funding for local services, introducing the first cuts to school budgets in a generation and denying the north the level of investment that some areas in the south can take for granted, the Tories are holding back children in the north of England.
More>> Saturday 24 March 2018The Government has failed to support subcontractors in the aftermath of Carillion’s collapse – Rebecca Long Bailey

Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, commenting on the collapse of Carillion subcontractor Vaughan Engineering, said:

“This is devastating news. It was only a matter of time before Carillion’s collapse rippled down the supply chain causing businesses to go bankrupt and more workers to lose their jobs.
More>> Friday 23 March 2018Theresa May must take the action needed to protect jobs, the economy and avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland – Starmer

“Today’s agreement is a step in the right direction but we are still a very long way away from both sides reaching an agreement on what the future relationship will look like.

“Theresa May must now finally drop her reckless red lines and take the action needed to protect jobs, the economy and avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland.”
Thursday 22 March 2018Melanie Onn comments on the rise in the number of households in temporary accommodation

Melanie Onn MP, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister, responding to the latest quarterly statistics on homelessness which have shown a dramatic rise in the number of households in England in temporary accommodation, said:

“These latest figures are a terrible reminder of the consequences of the Conservatives’ eight years of failure on housing. More>>Wednesday 21 March 2018Conservatives’ part-privatisation of probation has been a costly failure – Richard Burgon

“Once again we see how the Conservatives’ part-privatisation of our probation system has been a costly failure that is leaving the public less safe. More>>

Tuesday 20 March 2018Rebecca Long Bailey comment on the Government’s corporate governance consultation

Rebecca Long Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, commenting on the Government’s corporate governance consultation, said:

“The Tories have spent years turning a blind eye to bad business behaviour. Scandals like the failure of BHS and Carillion showed how quickly the future of a company and its workforce can be sacrificed for the sake of a quick buck. The Government should have taken action then, instead of choosing to ignore alarm bell after alarm bell. More>>Monday 19 March 2018 Keir Starmer response to agreement between the EU and the UK Government on transitional deal terms

Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary, responding to the agreement between the European Union and the UK Government on the terms of a transitional deal, said:

“This agreement could have been signed months ago but Ministers wasted time fighting among themselves, holding out on negotiating objectives that they have failed to achieve and pursuing their reckless red lines. More>>Sunday 18 March 2018McDonnell demands Hammond introduce almost £1bn “Oligarch Levy” to hit Russian tax dodgers

The Shadow Chancellor has today called on Philip Hammond to introduce five measures, including the “Oligarch Levy”, to strengthen the UK’s hand in imposing effective sanctions on Russia and breaking up secretive offshore financial networks used by foreign oligarchs.
More>>